Comic-Con-friendly music

Comic-Con International has undergone a major metamorphosis since its debut as a gathering of superhero, manga and RPG aficionados. It's now host to major players in the film and television industries, and its presence extends well beyond the convention center. In keeping up with tradition, local music venues are getting in on the act, presenting a weekend of performances specially catered to the Comic-Con crowd—or, you know, nerds.

The big news on the music front this year is the appearance of Metallica, who'll host a panel on Friday, July 19, to promote their upcoming 3-D film, Metallica Through the Never. This marks the band's first appearance at Comic-Con, and to ring in the occasion properly, the band will play a live show at an intimate venue, the time and place of which are, for the time being, secret. Keep your ear to the ground for the location, or just follow the trail of James Hetfield's Unnecessary-uh! Extrauh! Syllables-uh!

Just like last year, Impose magazine, Wormwood Films and Art Fag Recordings will present Three Nights During the Con at The Casbah, Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 20. Most of these shows are our Plan A picks in this week's "If I Were U," so go here for details.

Costumed ska superheroes The Aquabats are well into the second season of their TV show The Aquabats! Super Show! The band will bring its skanking, pop-punk theatrics to House of Blues on Thursday, July 18. Cosplay participation not required.

On Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, newly opened The Merrow, formerly The Ruby Room, will host two nights of nerdy music, each one focusing on a different genre. First up is Geek Rock with Comic Book Vixens, featuring performances by Nerf Herder—who are named for a line from Star Wars and performed the theme song for Buffy the Vampire Slayer— plus Kirby Krackle and H2Awesome. And on Saturday, it's Nerdcore Hip-Hop with Star Girls, featuring performances by MegaRan, DualCore, Wordburglar and Danimal Cannon, who are sure to drop some mad science (fiction).

Lastly, on Saturday, as one of many comedythemed performances this week, Adult Swim and iHEARTCOMIX will host the Eric Andre Show Live! at House of Blues, co-hosted by comedian Hannibal Buress and featuring live performances by electro outfit YACHT.

With a lineup like that, every nerd in town should be able to get a music fix this week.